Imperial Stout | Rogue Ales

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bottled in 2004, that's right, 11 years ago! unearthed from a friends cellar, what a cool treat to dip into around holiday time. age has done nothing but good for this thing too, not hardly any oxidation in it, and a richness not at all decayed. jet black, the beer looks almost reduced and concentrated, crazy how dark it is, intense, midnight. very little head on it, some patchy tan bits on the surface, but no cover at all. smells great, specialty dark malts, bitter raw cocoa, and some stale coffee. I get some fruitiness too though, some definite raisin in there, and a rum sort of booziness, pretty darn appetizing. the flavor is even better than the nose, its everything I smelled but all so well integrated. hints of unlit cigar, vanilla, and cake batter, its just delicious. the alcohol is still strong, but it has to have mellowed right? would this have been a whole lot hotter fresh? if so, I am glad its been aged. one of the oldest beers I have ever had, and I see no ill effects from this extended time in the cellar. one of the top beers in the XS series in my opinion, what a treat!